Battle of Chase plants to rage on
The battle to identify and eradicate a unique plant infection threatening the renowned wildlife habitat in Staffordshire may rage for some time, it has emerged.
The battle to identify and eradicate a unique plant infection threatening the renowned wildlife habitat in Staffordshire may rage for some time, it has emerged.
The Government announced £25 million funding earlier this week to help fight two deadly plant diseases – one of which is threatening Cannock Chase.
The funding will help support a five-year programme to manage and contain the risks of phytophthora ramorum and phytophthora kernoviae
Funds will be directed at tackling these varieties of the disease, neither of which has been definitively identified by official tests.
Nevertheless this is the first time any type of Phytophthora has been known to kill bilberry, meaning Staffordshire's environment team have a real challenge on their hands in working to contain the disease.
Specialists have been out surveying the thousands of acres of land across the Chase, identifying patches affected by the spread of Phytophthora.
Eradication units have moved in to cut and burn the infected plant materials.
Staffordshire County Council's head of environment and countryside, Steve Potter said public vigilance is as important as ever, with affected areas out of bounds.
"We have a complex disease attacking bilberry and this appears to be unique to Cannock Chase. A species of Phytophthora is implicated, although at this stage we don't know which species it is. Because it's an unknown quantity we have to assume that it could spread beyond bilberry to infect other heathland plants, the Chase's ancient oaks, and possibly the forestry plantations.
"The work is ongoing, and we will continue to need support from the public to stop the spread of the disease.
"The spores are carried on clothes and fur, so please continue to stick to the official main paths only and keep dogs on a lead.
"The Government funding for research will help in the long term.
"But money for immediate action is focused on a different problem, mainly seen in ornamental shrubs in country house estates.
"We have a form of Phytophthora in our bilberry which is a completely new problem. We are dealing with a bit of an unknown quantity here."
Mr Potter stressed the disease is harmless to humans and animals, but by killing plant life it could upset the delicate balance which provides the habitat diversity that makes the Chase a special place.
The controls have been widely publicised and prominent signs have been posted around the Chase.
Rangers are out talking to visitors and explaining the situation.
"The vast majority of people understand that we are on the front line in a battle to protect an internationally important wildlife haven for everyone.
"We need everyone to help us.
"This could go on for some time yet," Mr Potter warned.
